The Shrinking iPhone 5 Connector?

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Will Apple accessory sellers get an additional revenue boost through the iPhone 5? According to Reuters the iPhone 5 will carry a new, smaller version of the now-ubiquitous Apple dock connector.

small iphone connectorTwo anonymous sources of the "familiar with the matter" variety say the iPhone 5 will ship with a 19-pin connector instead of the proprietary 30-pin port, in order to "make room for the earphone moving the bottom."

The 30-pin Apple port might be something of an icon, but it also takes space-- being 21mm wide, it is much larger than the likes of microUSB, which offers more power in less space.

The change might annoy the Apple faithful, but it also means extra business in the shape of a whole new iDevice accessory ecosystem. Canalys remarks a change in connector dock "represents an opportunity for accessory vendors."

Chinese accessory makers are already making iPhone cases fitting the supposed new design, complete with earphone socket on the bottom and a "guarantee" of correct dimensions.

Rumours on smaller connector docks are nothing new-- back in May 2012 9to5Mac.com presented photos of "next-gen metal iPhone backs," also with a smaller connector device and bottom earphone socket... as well as what looks like a, different, taller display.

We will know what the new iPhone looks like once Apple actually reveals the thing (probably?) around October 2012.

Go What's Up Dock? Apple to Shrink iPhone 5 Connector (Reuters)

Go Next Gen Metal iPhone Backs Photos (9to5Mac.com)